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Design School Accreditation
When pursuing an education in design, it's just as important for the education to be accredited as it would be for any other subject.
Three types of agencies accredit schools: regional agencies, national agencies, and programmatic agencies or associations. These are non-profit, non-government organizations recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and/or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.
Regional and national accreditation can impact federal financial aid and transfer credits, while programmatic accreditation proves to the relevant industry that the program adheres to established standards.
For example, interior design is often subject to government regulations and licensing, and so it's important that you receive an education that lives up to standards set by design professionals and recoginzed by the industry. Accreditation ensures this.
The largest accrediting body for design education is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).
Founded in 1944, the NASAD accredits institutions and programs which meet the standards they have established in regards to graduate and undergraduate design degrees. The NASAD also fosters professional development, performs policy analysis, produces statistical research, and provides the information to the public.
In addition to the above, six regional accrediting agencies exist in the U.S.:
- New England Association of Schools and Colleges
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
- North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges
- Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges
- Middle State Association of Colleges and Schools
Additional resources linked to design school accreditation are:
- Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCSCT)
- College Art Association (CAA)
- Council for Interior Design Accreditation (formerly FIDER)
- European League of Institutes of the Arts (ELIA)
- National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB)
- National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD)
- National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA)
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